The Gem Sound PXB150USB is full-range powered speaker equipped with 250 watts RMS power, a 15" woofer and a 1.75" high frequency driver. The cabinet is rugged blow-molded plastic and features rollaway wheels and ergonomic handle placement for easy transport. It is equipped with USB connectivity, which facilitates playback from digital devices.

It is a powerful, great-sounding and lightweight speaker with versatile input and output options. Adding to its versatility, the cabinet is cut in such a way as to be a viable wedge floor monitor in addition to being a PA main speaker. In a category flooded with options, consider the Gem Sound 150USB as your choice. Consider sound quality, connectivity options, weight and price, and Gem Sound may be what you're looking for.

Wow. I bought these on a lark- getting tired of lugging around my JBL MR925 speakers along with a QSC900 power amp. I figured I'd try a self-powered speaker, and a got a...Read complete review

Wow. I bought these on a lark- getting tired of lugging around my JBL MR925 speakers along with a QSC900 power amp. I figured I'd try a self-powered speaker, and a got a TREMENDOUS price here. So I set these up side-by-side with my JBL setup. I only had a microphone handy, and with spoken voice these speakers were just as clear and even MUCH LOUDER than with the JBL setup. I did have a pretty noticable buzz when I plugged into the "microphone" port at full volume, so I switched my mic receiver to the 'line' function and plugged into the line port on the speaker, and the buzz went away.

From a total weight perspective, this setup is probably less than 1/3rd of the JBL setup. I can easily carry these speakers with one hand. Each speaker is actually lighter than my old power amp!! So it makes transport and setup/teardown that much easier. They even have wheels, but I'm not really sure they're necessary since these are so light.

I'm sure if I started pumping music through both setups at high volumes the JBL setup would hold up better from an audiophile perspective. I will have to try that at some point, but I suspect the minimal tradeoff will be well worth it.

I haven't even tried the MP3 functions on the unit yet- but in my opinion, that's an unnecessary feature that only adds complexity and a possible point of failure. I would have much rather had an integrated bluetooth receiver, since mp3 players are EVERYWHERE these days- with that functionality I could stream from pretty much any device. But it is what it is, and doesn't take away from my rating at this time.

Other features that are really nifty are the screw lock for the pole mount; the ability to use on its side as a wedge monitor, three handles (top and both sides), and multiple line input options (XLR, 1/4", RCA), and the ability to adjust distinct input levels on both the mic and line inputs (so for a small show, say a solo acoustic guitar/vocalist, you don't even need a mixer). The only drawback I can find so far is that the included power cord is only about 4 feet, but that is cheaply remedied. (The supplied cords are 18 gauge, so you can just order a cheap longer 18 gauge c13 power cord like the C&E 25 feet Universal Power Cord NEMA 5-15P to IEC-320-C13 18AWG Power Cord.

I also don't know how 'deep' you can daisy-chain these (which is accomplished via XLR cables). I think I'm gonna buy a few more so I guess I'll know soon enough. I would think it would be virtually unlimited.

Count me as an impressed and satisfied user...at least in the first week of ownership!!

Now, the million peso question is how these things will hold up over time. I've had my JLB setup for 17 years now, and have had no problems (outside of replacing the speaker cables). Can the same be said for these? Only time will tell.

**UPDATE**

Wow, I just found a very cool (and relatively cheap) solution to my "bluetooth" need as stated above. I bought this NFC enabled bluetooth receiver HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver for Sound System to try to use with this. My desire was to mount this on/on top of the speaker, and I was lamenting having to run additional AC power to the speaker. BUT, alas, this bluetooth device is USB powered, and the speaker has a USB jack, which DOES in fact supply 5vDC USB power! So, I just plugged the USB cable into the back of the speaker, and it powered up. Now, it didn't stream the music through USB unforunately (I guess the speaker is looking for MP3 files?), but I simply used the RCA cable that came with the bluetooth device (the speaker also has RCA inputs!!) and VIOLA, I was streaming bluetooth to the speaker without any additional power runs! A side benefit of this setup (as opposed to integral bluetooth in the speaker) is that when bluetooth get updated to longer-range, all I'll need to do is replace the BT device and use the same speaker. Pretty neat!!

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It seems loud enough but I have not had a chance to fully test this speaker. I've only used the MP3 player. So my review is more about the manufacturer.

It seems loud enough but I have not had a chance to fully test this speaker. I've only used the MP3 player. So my review is more about the manufacturer.

I bought this speaker upon recommendation of the online rep, and a ridiculous sale price. The speaker seems decent, but my faith in the company that made it is shaky.

Pro's: It's very lightweight, has handles on top and two sides, and wheels on the bottom. It has ports for a USB flash drive and SD card. If you insert a flash drive, you can use it as an MP3 player with the remote control.

Con's: You cannot get playback from a phone or laptop via the USB port as indicated. You'll have to use an 1/8" - RCA (red/white plugs) cable, or just plug your device in to your mixing board.

Other: Apparently this product is so new, it's not even listed on Gem Sound's website. The "instruction" leaflet that came with the speaker left much to be desired, so I tried unsuccessfully to find more info on their website.

The diagram on the back was illegible and there was no Company info on the leaflet either, such as address, phone#, website, email etc. Nor was there any warranty info or a product registration card..but it's difficult to register a product with NO SERIAL NUMBER.

I`ve played out in the bars with these speakers as the mains, and they do a fine job, plenty of bass and crisp clear highs, good enough for rock bands.if you play metal you might need 4,but I am happy with 2 and a nice clean mix on vocs, incredibly light wgt. for 15s/w horn and powered, 32 lbs. great design and perfect for my uses. have owned for a year now, no problems.

I been using a traditional speakers for over ten years now and I'm always hesitant to switch to powered speakers. I decided to try to this one because of reasonable price. Used it on my last wedding gig indoor and outdoor, and July 4th picnic, it sounds great. I did not rate it as excellent because there is possible to crack around the handles, however I would still recommend it to my friends.

First of all Musicians Friend's Customer Service is the best. They went totally out of their way to make me happy after a few shipping mishaps. Now for the review. These speakers sound awesome! I don't understand the weak Bass comments, hooked up to my board they have plenty of punch and power. Vocals are crystal clear and instruments are never compromised including Drums. I am definitely a happy camper with these. In some ways they even sound better than my JBL's

It seems loud enough but I have not had a chance to fully test this speaker. I've only used the MP3 player. So my review is more about the manufacturer.

I bought this speaker upon recommendation of the online rep, and a ridiculous sale price. The speaker seems decent, but my faith in the company that made it is shaky.

Pro's: It's very lightweight, has handles on top and two sides, and wheels on the bottom. It has ports for a USB flash drive and SD card. If you insert a flash drive, you can use it as an MP3 player with the remote control.

Con's: You cannot get playback from a phone or laptop via the USB port as indicated. You'll have to use an 1/8" - RCA (red/white plugs) cable, or just plug your device in to your mixing board.

Other: Apparently this product is so new, it's not even listed on Gem Sound's website. The "instruction" leaflet that came with the speaker left much to be desired, so I tried unsuccessfully to find more info on their website.

The diagram on the back was illegible and there was no Company info on the leaflet either, such as address, phone#, website, email etc. Nor was there any warranty info or a product registration card..but it's difficult to register a product with NO SERIAL NUMBER.

I bought another pair of these after such positive results with the first two pairs !Versitile is an understatement , especially with the added features thoughtfully included .The sound is indeed very good for plastic cabinets , and without wood they do weigh less and are easy to carry or roll . They are plenty loud while providing good sound , and if you need more coverage just get another pair or two . At the sale prices , they are very affordable . As usual , the shipping people try their best to destroy your gear before you get it , and with these you may end up with a dent in the grille .I am planning to make a puller tool to straighten the grille out without chipping the paint or plastic . I suspect any negative experiances would relate to damage caused by rough handling .I am extremely happy with these speakers and highly recommend them !

Wow. I bought these on a lark- getting tired of lugging around my JBL MR925 speakers along with a QSC900 power amp. I figured I'd try a self-powered speaker, and a got a TREMENDOUS price here. So I set these up side-by-side with my JBL setup. I only had a microphone handy, and with spoken voice these speakers were just as clear and even MUCH LOUDER than with the JBL setup. I did have a pretty noticable buzz when I plugged into the "microphone" port at full volume, so I switched my mic receiver to the 'line' function and plugged into the line port on the speaker, and the buzz went away.

From a total weight perspective, this setup is probably less than 1/3rd of the JBL setup. I can easily carry these speakers with one hand. Each speaker is actually lighter than my old power amp!! So it makes transport and setup/teardown that much easier. They even have wheels, but I'm not really sure they're necessary since these are so light.

I'm sure if I started pumping music through both setups at high volumes the JBL setup would hold up better from an audiophile perspective. I will have to try that at some point, but I suspect the minimal tradeoff will be well worth it.

I haven't even tried the MP3 functions on the unit yet- but in my opinion, that's an unnecessary feature that only adds complexity and a possible point of failure. I would have much rather had an integrated bluetooth receiver, since mp3 players are EVERYWHERE these days- with that functionality I could stream from pretty much any device. But it is what it is, and doesn't take away from my rating at this time.

Other features that are really nifty are the screw lock for the pole mount; the ability to use on its side as a wedge monitor, three handles (top and both sides), and multiple line input options (XLR, 1/4", RCA), and the ability to adjust distinct input levels on both the mic and line inputs (so for a small show, say a solo acoustic guitar/vocalist, you don't even need a mixer). The only drawback I can find so far is that the included power cord is only about 4 feet, but that is cheaply remedied. (The supplied cords are 18 gauge, so you can just order a cheap longer 18 gauge c13 power cord like the C&E 25 feet Universal Power Cord NEMA 5-15P to IEC-320-C13 18AWG Power Cord.

I also don't know how 'deep' you can daisy-chain these (which is accomplished via XLR cables). I think I'm gonna buy a few more so I guess I'll know soon enough. I would think it would be virtually unlimited.

Count me as an impressed and satisfied user...at least in the first week of ownership!!

Now, the million peso question is how these things will hold up over time. I've had my JLB setup for 17 years now, and have had no problems (outside of replacing the speaker cables). Can the same be said for these? Only time will tell.

**UPDATE**

Wow, I just found a very cool (and relatively cheap) solution to my "bluetooth" need as stated above. I bought this NFC enabled bluetooth receiver HomeSpot NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver for Sound System to try to use with this. My desire was to mount this on/on top of the speaker, and I was lamenting having to run additional AC power to the speaker. BUT, alas, this bluetooth device is USB powered, and the speaker has a USB jack, which DOES in fact supply 5vDC USB power! So, I just plugged the USB cable into the back of the speaker, and it powered up. Now, it didn't stream the music through USB unforunately (I guess the speaker is looking for MP3 files?), but I simply used the RCA cable that came with the bluetooth device (the speaker also has RCA inputs!!) and VIOLA, I was streaming bluetooth to the speaker without any additional power runs! A side benefit of this setup (as opposed to integral bluetooth in the speaker) is that when bluetooth get updated to longer-range, all I'll need to do is replace the BT device and use the same speaker. Pretty neat!!